Last updated on January 4th, 2022 at 03:32 pm
Please remember to check the Staff Covid Website (password STHKcovid19) for all the latest Covid related guidance and information.
In today’s update:
- Government announcement – COVID-19 vaccinations
- Reporting of PPE issues
Government announcement – COVID-19 vaccinations to be compulsory for NHS staff
The Government has this week announced that from April 2022, it will be compulsory for NHS staff in England to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, this means that they must have at least two vaccinations recorded between January 2021 and March 2022.
The regulations will apply to health and social care workers who have direct, face-to-face contact with people while providing care – such as doctors, nurses, dentists and domiciliary care workers, unless they are exempt.
They will also apply to ancillary staff such as porters or receptionists who may have social contact with patients but are not directly involved in their care. This will apply across the CQC-regulated health and social care sector.
Further information has been published today on the Government’s website click here to read.
We expect much more detailed information regarding any exemptions and the mandated COVID-19 vaccination for NHS staff to be released in the coming weeks, and as soon as the Trust receives this we will of course share it with you.
We are incredibly pleased that so many staff at STHK have already been vaccinated and continue to encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated to protect themselves now.
Staff who require their vaccinations, whether it be their 1st, 2nd or Booster jab, can visit the Mass Vaccination Centre, St Helens Rugby Ground for their jab. Visit the staff booking website to book your appointment: https://sthelensknowsleyhospital.nhsbookings.com/v2/
Currently, there must be at least 8 weeks between your 1st and 2nd jab, so if you are yet to be fully vaccinated, then please bear these timescales in mind with regards to the Spring deadline to be vaccinated.
There must be at least six months between your 2nd and booster jab.
Reporting of PPE issues
Most of the PPE the Trust receives still comes via the DHSC national “push system” – this is where the PPE is sent in bulk from central depots. We do not have any day- to-day influence over the brand of each item sent, but the Procurement Team do feedback any issues and complaints regarding the PPE.
It is really important that any issues with PPE quality are emailed to us so we can aim to address them at various groups that the Procurement Team are engaged with at a regional and national level.
If you have an issue with any PPE then please do the following:
1) Email purchasing@sthk.nhs.uk
2) Title the email “PPE issue”
3) Provide an overview of the issue
4) Detail the type of PPE (ie mask, aprons, gloves etc)
5) Detail the brand/manufacturer of the specific PPE
6) If possible please include an picture of the PPE
Upon receipt of the email will aim to swap out stock, as quickly as possible.